Delay in pleas for Lakota family in standoff

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — A Nelson County farm family that was involved in a prolonged standoff with authorities has hired attorneys and delayed action on charges against them.

The Brossart family, which farms near Lakota, had been scheduled to be arraigned Friday.

Nelson County prosecutor Doug Manbeck said family members have hired lawyers, and they're not likely to enter pleas until March. The Brossarts didn't have attorneys in previous court appearances.

Fargo attorney Bruce Quick is representing Rodney Brossart. Fargo attorney Ross Brandborg is representing Brossart's wife, Susan, the couple's daughter, Abby, and their three sons, Jacob, Thomas and Alex.

Last June, the family was involved in a 16-hour standoff with authorities over the ownership of six cows that had wandered onto their property. The four men are charged with terrorizing.

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